Buster and Karl Ravech discuss the narratives of early 2018 including a refocused Cubs squad, a surprise MVP candidate in the AL and more (6:26). Plus, Jessica Mendoza's camp observations (28:04) and Ryan Divish with some "Inside Heat" on the Mariners (40:14).

William Weinbaum ESPN

A popular third-baseman of the ‘69 Miracle Mets, Ed "The Glider" Charles died Thursday, the team announced. Charles, who was 84, broke in with the K.C. A's in 1962, was traded to N.Y. early in the ‘67 season and concluded his 8-year career with the ‘69 World Series.

Mets 3B Todd Frazier speaks with Eduardo Perez about his love for playing in front of New York fans, joining a new ball club as a veteran, the anxiety of free agency, playing in the Little League classic and more.

David Wright's shoulder and lower-back issues have persisted, and he has been told to refrain from baseball activity for eight weeks. Yoenis Cespedes was scratched Tuesday after hurting his right wrist on March 6.

The cast of pitchers remains largely the same, but there are new eyes watching New York's starters this season. Will that be enough for the group to finally live up to its vast potential?

Eddie Matz ESPN Senior Writer

In the Blue Jays clubhouse earlier this week, a dozen or so players gathered around the TV and watched as Tim Tebow struck out against Detroit's Daniel Norris. The broadcast cut to a reaction shot of a toddler making a yuck-face, at which point one veteran Blue Jay said: "They're just waiting for Tebow to do bad. I'm actually pulling for the guy."

Mets pitcher Matt Harvey allowed two hits over a pair of scoreless innings against the Tigers on Monday in his second spring training appearance.

Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer

Steven Matz has an ERA near infinity (54.00) to show for two spring outings but even after being roughed up by Washington on Sunday, Matz once again said he feels healthy and strong. After leaving some balls up today against a Nationals lineup that featured just two projected regulars, Matz says his goal next time out will be to keep the ball down.

share

Jon Scher ESPN.com

Tim Tebow ropes one down the line — just a bit foul.

share

Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer

Another rough outing for Mets starter Steven Matz, as he tries to bounce back from last year's season-ending elbow surgery. Matz lasted only 2/3 of an inning against Washington, laboring through 34 pitches. He gave up five runs, five hits and walked two. New York's defense did Matz no favors but, however you slice it, he's got a ways to go in trying to recover his pre-injury form. Luckily, it's just March 3.

share

Jon Scher ESPN.com

Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer

Mets starter Jacob deGrom threw 40 pitches this morning in a bullpen session and reported no problems with his problematic lower back. He's hoping to face live batters in a simulated game in a few days. A possibility to start for New York on opening day, deGrom says there is still time to ramp up his workload by then should he draw the assignment.

share

Syndergaard feels good after second outing (0:43)

Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer

Here is a thing to make NL hitters shudder: Miami's J.T. Realmuto, the last batter Mets flamethrower Noah Syndergaard faced today, struck out looking on a sharp-breaking curveball. After his outing, Syndergaard said he can't recall ever getting a called third strike with that pitch before. A troubling seed to plant in the heads of batsmen everywhere.

share

Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer

Mets SS Ahmed Rosario was removed from today's game against the Marlins with what the club is describing as "knee irritation."

share

Bradford Doolittle ESPN Staff Writer

Another solid outing today for the Mets' Noah Syndergaard. After an early hiccup -- walking Miami's Braxton Lee on four pitches to start the first -- Syndergaard found his command and rolled. The scoreboard at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla, doesn't register above 99 MPH, but Syndergaard hit that figure on a number of his 43 offerings. Lee came around to score on Justin Bour's liner up the middle, but Syndergaard didn't allow another baserunner over three innings, struck out four and threw strikes on 20 of his last 25 pitches.

Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard said there's no reason for people to be "freaking out" after the right-hander threw 11 pitches of 100 mph or more in his spring debut.

Coley Harvey ESPN Staff Writer

Russell Wilson on Tim Tebow working through his own baseball dream: "I always want people to be successful. He's a competitor, and he's working at something to try to accomplish, which is very difficult to do. So I'm wishing him the best."